Old?.?....?...?

I have seen a few (ok, many) hints of it coming for a couple decades:

----Dwight's wonderful red beard slowly gathering white (some of it from raising kids). I didn't worry about it, after all alot of people start getting white hair or losing hair as early as high school. And lately alot white and grey hair--on Dwight--not me.

----A few aches and pains, but even young people complain of aches and pains.

----Bifocals, I really think they give them to you when you turn forty whether you need them or not, so they don't count.

----Grandkids, getting closer, especially since one is 13!!

----But this morning I received the confirmation that we are "old people" --- two TV's on in two different rooms, on two different programs.

----We have arrived....

Surprises!!!!!

Early Monday afternoon I received a phone call from a very dear, sweet friend. The small group she and husband belong to adopted my husband as their 'shut in' for Christmas. When could they bring a few things over? Tuesday morning worked.



Right on time they pulled up to our little home. And both came to our door laden with goodies. More gifts than you could count and a huge fruit basket. And Ruth, remembering Dwight's favorites, a bag of navel oranges and a bag of her wonderful, homemade peanut brittle. WOW!



We could hardly wait to started exploring--there were even some wonderful gifts for me, what extreme thoughtfulness. There is just no way to say how blest we feel, we know that each gift represents prayer for us and Dwight's challenges. Again- wow--we rejoice in God's love and faithfulness.



Thank you Paul & Ruth and your small group.



Then, last evening at work, as I help people complete their Christmas shopping, including one HUGE gift I spied some very special children, a young lady and her little brother who we feel like they are more of our grandkids. They had their chauffeurs drive them to my store with some homemade goodies they had helped make. How special, and they offered help me sample them. Just love kids. Thanks Lillie and Cohen (and Jenn and Dave). Dwight sampled it when I got home, and enjoyed it.



Just love surprises--those surrounded with Love and Thoughtfulness.

I am the adult

Monday evening I spent some time with Esther Faith. True to her nature, she challenged my authority. I asked her who was the adult, after telling me that I was, I informed that therefore I was the boss. I received a little attitude and obedience.



Thursday evening I stayed with the Henn Children while the Henn Parents had a night out. Again Esther Faith decided to test the adult in charge. So....



Me.."Esther Faith, who is the adult?"



Esther Faith.."We had this discussion the other night."

Where Have I Been?

Hmm-m-m...short version. I have been battling fatigue, getting only 4-6 hours of sleep a night, every night can take it's toll on you. And it has...

I see those ads on TV--"Depression--who does it hurt?" and I realize alot of what they say could be me. But I know that I am just tired. I have used up any reserve I may have had, and being as I am a 'glass half empty' person I have a harder time jump starting myself. But know the problem is half the battle, right? Does that mean I am going to get more sleep, I doubt it, my schedule hasn't changed, and for some reason I can't seem to nap when needed in my wonderful, made for me Lazy Boy.

But I am determined to try and beat it and not let it continue to control, and I will try to nap. After this is done, and that is done, and----you know how it is.

Thanks for those who have asked, I will try to get back on track. I have some wonderful pictures of our trees, our first fall owning them. Very interesting. Not totally what we expected, but exciting to watch and enjoy.

I need to tell you

As the hijacker has mentioned, Isaac spent alot of time with us this summer. If my morning schedule would allow, I'd run out to Karin's truck to say hi to Isaiah & Esther Faith. Esther Faith thought it was her time and didn't want it to end, altho' sometimes she would be rather cool in her reception of my loving.

But, every time, without fail, she would do all she could to keep me at the window conversing with her--about any thing. Her attempts were always started with,

"I need to tell you one more question."

Every time, without fail, "I need to tell you one more question." How do you correct someone so cute, saying something so cute?

Good Rules

From "Everyday Cheapskate" by Mary Hunt & Debt-Proof Living
cheapskate@everydaycheapskate.com


Friday, August 28, 2009 19 Secrets to Happiness

1. Live beneath your means.

2. Return all that you borrow.

3. Stop blaming other people.

4. Admit your mistakes.

5. Give all clothes not worn in three years to charity.

6. Do something nice everyday and try not to be caught doing it.

7. Listen more, talk less.

8. Skip 2 meals per week and give the money to the homeless.

9. Be on time.

10. Don`t make excuses.

11. Don`t argue.

12. Be kind to people.

13. Be even kinder to unkind people.

14. Have good manners.

15. Be humble.

16. Understand and accept that life is not always fair.

17. Know when to say something and when not to.

18. Don`t criticize anyone for a week.

19. Learn from the past.

My Who??

Dwight and I are quite fortunate to have our grandchildren join us for dinner at least once a week. Tonight Jackson and Aurora were enjoying a simple meal and child centered conversation...'how many days till school starts?', etc.

Aurora, after declaring that she loved me, second to Papa, looked at me with those beautiful eyes of hers and asked, "How come you don't have children?"

I answered simply, "We do."

Aurora, "Then why don't I see them when I come?"

Hm-m-m. "You know who my daughter is.."

Aurora, "Yes, my mother. You are her mother."

Did she really think I had more children- her size and was hiding them?

------------------------------
Later in the meal I discovered a small amount of blood on my arm and what looked like a bug bite. Under her watchful, concerned eyes I cleaned off the blood. I then asked her to kiss it and make it better. "NO"

"But you love me, kiss it and make it better."

After a very slight pause, "I like you."